D
She handled herself well
G
For being handled by two guards
Bm
She still looked like a prom queen
       G                      D
In the back of that sheriff's car

D
The crowd lined up from the court house
G
To the jailhouse down the street
Bm
How could they talk so bad
        G               D
About a girl who was so sweet


Chorus:

A
Rita's heart turned to ice
     G             D 
on a hot night in July
     A
she did what she had to do
     G                         D      
they don't believe the reasons why
       G                  D 
How he used her for a doormat
             G              D
when he was sober enough to walk
   Bm
As far as I'm concerned
       G           D 
He was Rita's only fault


D
You know I've always loved her
G
And one time she loved me too
Bm
That first love never let me go 
        G           D
The way that others do


D
She left me for the quarterback 
G
I knew him back in school
Bm
He had a shiny car and a fast smile
             G             D
But I always knew he was a fool


D
Now I go to see her Sundays
G
I see the tears in her eyes
Bm
And I see the same sweet smile
          G             D 
That hell just can't disguise


D
If I'd have only known 
G
I'd have done him in myself
Bm
I'd gladly take her place 
        G         D
In that cold grey cell


Chorus:

A
Rita's heart turned to ice
     G             D 
on a hot night in July
     A
she did what she had to do
     G                         D      
they don't believe the reasons why
       G                  D 
How he used her for a doormat
             G              D
when he was sober enough to walk
   Bm
As far as I'm concerned
       G           D 
He was Rita's only fault